91 People A Day

It’s no secret, prescription drug overdoses have increased a lot over the past decade. More than a lot, it’s a tragic escalation. There’s plenty of official data to support the notion that too many people are dying each day of drug overdoses. According to federal health officials, accidental prescription overdoses have increased dramatically Since the end of the 90’s and the number of overdose deaths involving opioids has quadrupled. Between 2000 to 2015 more than half a million people died from drug overdoses. Which translates to 91 Americans dying each day from an opioid overdose – be it a prescription or heroin. Imagine a plane crash a day, killing everyone onboard a small jet. Every day.

As I’ve said before, doctors and pill prescribers play a major role in expanding the reach of this epidemic. Doctors often over-prescribed pain meds for chronic pain like back pain and headaches. Ethical and responsible prescriptions of opioids should be reserved for the few days after surgery, or a bad accident, or in palliative care for terminal patients. Otherwise, the patient runs the risk of getting addicted in the first week of taking the pills their doctor prescribed. People trust their doctor to take care of them, keep them healthy, not get them hooked on drugs.

Bottom line is that prescription drug overdoses are at an epidemic level in America. The data of the past 15 years further proves what we already know. Here’s my advice to anyone who is concerned about addiction, or already in recovery: just because a doctor prescribes you a prescription narcotic doesn’t mean you must take it. There are non-narcotic alternatives to pain and anxiety, all you have to do is ask. There’s new research for non-addictive opioids, which will be a game-changer once they are approved for mainstream use. Stay tuned for more about that.

If you are in recovery, refraining from medical narcotics as well as mind-altering chemicals is crucial. If your doctor doesn’t listen to you, tell them again. And again. And again. Until they understand that the value of your recovery far outweighs your willingness to relapse. Tell your friends and family what your choices are, too. If you are in an accident and can’t speak for yourself, it’s important for a family member to speak for you. Fight for yourself, your health, and your sobriety. If they still won’t listen, find a new doctor that will.

I am a recovered addict, many years removed from alcohol, crystal meth, and nicotine. I devote my life and career to helping others who struggle down a similar path. If you or someone you love is struggling from this disease, call Breathe Life Healing Centers. We treat all substance addictions including pain meds. The good, kind folks that answer the phone have helpful information that can help you or a loved one find the help you need.